Wireless Becoming More Internet-Like, Says inCode

Every day I get at least one report about trends in telephony. Deleting these items has become so automatic that hitting ’del’ takes less time than the seconds it takes my brain to process that the information is actually something I’m interested in.

These trends include widespread use of mobile social networks, greater choice in multi function devices and more wireless home entertainment options.

The disappearing distinction between the mobile phone network and the Internet isn’t news if you approach wireless from the VoIP, rather than the telecom, perspective. We’ve been seeing the facts on the ground for the past year. What the San Diego, CA-based analyst firm’s report provides is validation.

“We’re ready for the next level, where Internet services are mobilized and deeply woven into our everyday lives, whether we’re at home, work or play,” said inCode Chief Strategy Officer in today’s press release.

Some of the more interesting insights of the report are its predictions about the Asian market.

The first is socio-economic change fostered by low cost wireless technology. “Flourishing infrastructure and handset businesses in Asia will help bring low-cost wireless to emerging markets, enabling many small businesses to join the economic mainstream.”

Second, wireless technology leadership will increasingly come from Asia as new technologies are developed and deployed in China and India rather than Europe and North America.

inCode also sees “compelling Internet brands, such as Google, Yahoo and Skype” taking a bite out of the businesses of traditional wireless service providers. Also expect to see more all-you-can-eat service packages. And finally, 2007 will be the year that hackers and fraudsters turn their attention to mobile targets.